Am I doing enough with my 5 month old?

[holldolls]

FTM to a 5 month baby. I often wonder/worry if I'm doing enough for him and what other people do. DP works away during the week so it's just me all day with him. I try and talk to him a lot but not constantly. I I sit on the rug with him while he plays and shake his Pom poms which he loves and hand out things for him to grab. It gets exhausting though (and pretty boring) so sometimes I leave him to play on his play mat like he is now and he seems happy enough. We read 2 short books earlier so I'm starting to do that daily. I just worry he isn't getting enough stimulation from me. How much should I be doing with him? Is it ok to leave him on his play mat while I watch some tv? I always feel guilty for that and feel bad if I don't speak to him for 10 minutes or so!

He only naps on me also so I have to get housework done while he is awake. It would be a lot easier if DP worked at home so he could take over and entertain him on the evening!

He's fine, if he's not happy he will soon let you know. There's a reason first borns are often slower to reach milestones and that is because subsequent babies are chucked on the floor and left to get on with it! They really don't need their mummy in their face constantly.

You are doing a fab job. I have a 6 month old who also doesn’t sleep anywhere but on me so I get what you’re saying with housework. If he’s happy on the play mat then brilliant Today I left my DS on the play mat in front of me whilst I had some lunch and watched a bit of a TV.

We go to a baby play group once a week which is really fun and makes me feel less guilty if we’ve had a bit of a boring week or the weather is crap so we can’t go for walks, and I get to chat to other mums too which is a plus. Depending on your area there are free classes available but also private ones. I pay about £6 a class.

I do the same with our 9 month old (who also prefers to nap on me/touching me!). Take the chance for a cuppa and a break when you can! Honestly don’t feel guilty, your baby is obviously happy or else they’d let you know (loudly!).